Wrap-Up: 2008 Infiniti EX35

The EX has enough torque on tap to keep us happy, and the fuel economy is surprisingly good.

We don't typically deem vehicles of the crossover genre as enthusiast-worthy, but has shown us exactly what sort of enthusiasm can be achieved when the execution is like its EX35 Journey.

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We liken our rear-drive EX's driving dynamics and utility to that of a stubby Infiniti G wagon or a hefty hatchback, instead of an SUV with a high center of gravity. The is low enough to feel planted to the pavement, but with a level of ground-clearing confidence that will keep you from second-guessing the height of a parking stop or steep driveway.

Interior space feels more generous than a G Coupe's but less than the sedan's, which is surprising based on exterior appearance alone. But a peek at its dimensions reveals the EX is actually shorter and tighter than both. The rear seats technically seat three, but only on a couple of desperate occasions did we dare test this theory. Instead, the majority of trips were spent two-up in complete comfort and with copious cargo space.

If there is a definitive medal to be awarded to the EX, it would be for most traveled long-term car in recent memory — our little trooper made the trip cross country no less than six times and in varying weather extremes.

Long stretches of highway monotony can be brutal on a driver's psyche, especially when traveling alone, which in turn created a perfect opportunity to test the EX's host of electronic stay-alive aids. The two-stage Lane Departure Warning/Prevention system works without fail — given there are lane delineations. It delivers an audible alert while the stability control provides a gentle nudge to get the EX back into its proper lane. While it doesn't provide quite enough oversight for a snooze behind the wheel, it's a caffeine-free blanket of safety for when the mind begins to wander. We used these aids mostly on longer driving stints, but preferred to leave them off otherwise.

The EX's excellent navigation system and interface was always an asset on the road. The option of touchscreen or pushbutton control is much appreciated. Not to mention it is one of the systems — currently dwindling in number — that still gives you the freedom to find a point of interest or plug in an address without having to pull over and stop.

We loved the iPod integration system, which comes with the Bose Sound and Navigation package. It provides seamless control of a virtually endless selection of music, as well as the clever use of multiple backup cameras for the Around View Monitor system — a godsend for spatially incompetent parkers.

If not for the company the EX35 had to compete with in our parking lot, its dynamic ratings would have fared even better. But considering how many miles the EX accumulated during its time here, well, that's a testament to just how useful this compact Infiniti crossover is.